A Point to Ponder: Looking forward to the coming of Advent

Next Sunday will be the first of four Sundays before Christmas. For Christians around the world and around the country, it will be the start of the Advent season, the beginning of the Christmas season.

So, for those of you who remember that Christmas was a season of 40 days of celebration and giving thanks for the birth of man’s savior, it ends with the Epiphany: The recognition of Christ as the son of God by the gentiles. Truly an epiphany, when you realize in all your being that something is true and real.

The nativity portrays this as the coming of the three kings – the Magi - to worship the spiritual king of mankind.

The first candle of the Advent is the hope of the coming of the savior, the child who is to represent man before his father.

The second Advent candle speaks to the prophets preparing the way for the coming of the King of Kings, the Bethlehem candle.

The third candle is the shepherd’s candle - the candle of joy for the world for the Lord of Lords is upon us.

The fourth Advent candle is the angel’s candle: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her king.”

The season of love, hope and joy is upon us. The wonders of his love – Christmas is the wonder of a savior who still today calls us to love each other. Enjoy the coming weeks and remember the child we celebrate.

Lighten our darkness. We beseech thee, oh Lord!

A point to ponder.

Phil Mikan is the host of the Phil Mikan Show on WMRD 1150/WLIS AM 1420 daily at 10 a.m. and the Weekend Corner Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. You can reach him at phil@philmikan.com or write him at Phil Mikan, Central Connecticut Communications, One Liberty Square, New Britain, CT 06051